2017 Newman Tennis Center Pickleball Slam

Doug Lilly Wins Double Gold in Augusta

by Jim Hughes

Newman Tennis Center in Augusta held its first Pickleball Slam on July 15 and 16. The Aiken Pickledillys gave an outstanding performance.

We learned you can’t spell “Double Gold” without “Doug”. Our very own Doug Lilly capped an impressive weekend by winning the Intermediate Mixed Doubles gold with partner Chris Powers in a thrilling three-game finals match with fellow Pickledillys Marian Garcia and Jim Kabel. On Saturday, Doug shook off a sore neck, put his partner Jim Hughes on his back and carried the team to a gold medal in the Intermediate Men’s Doubles. Let it never be said Doug can’t play with pain!

Marian and Chris already knew the way to the medals podium since they also won silver in the Women’s Doubles on Saturday. They won three out of four matches in the round-robin format. The Aiken contingent was also well represented by John Fuller, Jeff Beckner, Sue Talada and Russell Crews.

We also want to congratulate some Augusta players who often find their way to Odell Weeks. Denisse Martinez won two golds (Women’s Doubles, Advanced Mixed Doubles), Anne Rheins won gold in Women’s Doubles and Daniel Davis won gold in Advanced Mixed Doubles. Kim Sharpton fought his way through the consolation bracket twice, with his son Bilal in Intermediate Men’s Doubles and his wife QP in Intermediate Mixed Doubles. Make sure you congratulate these players next time you see them!